How to Pack Your Holiday Decorations for a Big Move

Some of the last things many people consider when getting ready for a big move are their Christmas decorations. You’ve spent a lot of time and money collecting your holiday décor, don’t let it get smashed and trashed when you move to a new house. Here’s how to pack it all to keep is safe and sound.

Untangle the Lights

Tangled lights are a holiday tradition, but they can be a big bummer when you’re trying to move. Untangle them now before you pack them. Each strand can get put in its own container or Ziploc bag for moving and for storage.

Invest in Boxes and Storage Containers

You can store your wreath, decorations, and holiday wrapping paper in containers that keep them separated and protect them from damage. Investing in bins and boxes now will help all of your decorations make it through your move safely. You’ll be glad to have them every year when the decorations come down and head to storage.

Put Your Tree in a Bag

If you have an artificial Christmas tree, it’s a great idea to get a bag for it. You can get an inexpensive tree storage bag online and use it year after year. It will also help your movers get the tree out of your old house and into your new one, all in one piece.

Moving can be hard but getting to your new house only to find broken holiday decorations can really take the fun out of a new home. Packing them carefully and finding trustworthy, experienced movers to care for them can help ensure your ornaments, lights, and other holiday items arrive safely. The professional movers at Nilson Van and Storage will treat your items like their own. Book today so you’ll be holiday ready after your big move.

3 Things to Do Before the Moving Truck Arrives

Are you planning a bit move? Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, there are a few things you need to do before the moving truck arrives. Here are the three most important tasks to handle now:

#1: Declutter Your Home

If you don’t want it and don’t need it, there’s no sense moving it. A moving company will charge you for the amount of stuff it moves for you. The less you have, the lower the cost. Plus, you don’t want to have to unpack and discard items when you get to your new home. It’s great to move in and unpack only the items you want, need, and love.

#2: Understand What You Can and Cannot Move

If you’re moving locally, it’s easy to put stuff in your car and take a few trips. But if you’re moving across the state or across the country, it’s a little more difficult. Check with your moving company ahead of time, so you know what they will and will not take on their trucks. Examples of items most movers won’t take include hazardous materials such as motor oil, gasoline, antifreeze, paint, lawn chemicals, and propane tanks. Set these aside to go in your car, dispose of them, or donate or give them away.

#3: Get Organized

Before the movers arrive, get organized. Create lists of what is moving and what is not, clean out your pantry and your refrigerator, group items together for easy packing, drain your lawnmower, and strip all of the beds.

Being organized is critical to a smooth move. You can count on the team at Nilson Van and Storage to help you with all of your move prep so you’re ready when the moving truck arrives. Contact them online today for all of the moving support you need.

Moving Out of State Checklist

Are you moving out of state? Are you prepared? Whenever you move to a new house, you need to have a plan. Moving out of state means even more prep work is necessary to have a smooth move. What you need is a checklist. Here’s one to get you started:

1. Set your budget

Before deciding what moving company to use and what services you want, set your budget. It will help you determine if you will pack yourself or hire packers, what kind of moving supplies you should get, and what moving company is the best fit.

2. Schedule your movers

The sooner you can get on the books, the better. Book as far out as possible to ensure your moving company is available the dates you need them.

3. Declutter

Moving out of state is more expensive than local moves. Most companies charge by the weight of the contents. The more you can declutter, the less you’ll have to haul from state to state, and the more budget-friendly your move will be.

4. Create a packing plan

Whether you are packing your own items, or your moving company is packing for you, it’s good to have a plan. Break down what needs to go on the truck, what you’ll take with you, and what are the most fragile and/or valuable items that need special care and handling.

5. Pack an “unpack first” box

This box will be the first thing you unpack in your new home. It should include cleaning supplies, paper plates, plastic cups and silverware, paper towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, toilet paper, and a first aid kit. It will give you easy access to all of the things you’ll need when you first arrive but haven’t yet unpacked your other boxes.

6. Hit the road

Your belongings will take longer to get to your new home than you will. Take some time and enjoy the drive.

Moving out of state requires plenty of preparation. For all of the help and support you need, contact the team at Nilson Van and Storage today to book our professional movers for your big move out of state.

4 Tips for Moving During the Holiday Season

Moving can be a lot of work, but moving during the holiday season comes with its own set of challenges. There are some ways you can prepare to relocate during what’s already a crazy time of year. Here are four tips from the pros:

Tip #1: Book as Soon as Possible

The holidays are actually a busy time of year for moving companies. Kids are off school, people get vacation time, and the movers themselves have holiday commitments. The best way to get the schedule and timeline you need is to book your movers as soon as you can.

Tip #2: Pack Holiday Decorations Separately

Moving is hard, but moving into a new home without being able to decorate for the holidays can make it even more difficult. Pack your holiday decorations separately and mark them so you can open them first. Even a few familiar ornaments and some lights can make your new house feel like home.

Tip #3: Watch the Weather

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Make sure you pack extra coats and winter weather attire someplace it’s easily accessible. Should the weather turn colder, you don’t want to have your winter coats and sweaters stuck on a moving van or packed in a box you can’t find.

Tip #4: Keep an Eye on Your Budget

The holidays are an expensive time of year. If you’re paying to move at the same time you’re paying for holiday gifts, it can put you in a financial crunch. Be careful with both your gift and your moving budgets, so your finances don’t add to the stress.

Do you have to move during the holidays? Count on the moving professionals at Nilson Van and Storage to get you to your destination without taking away your holiday cheer. Contact them online today to schedule your move.

Whether your move is big or small, our skilled movers are dedicated to helping you every step of the way, no matter where life takes you.